(diy tutorial) cheesecloth ghosts

Cheesecloth ghosts are all the rage this year, probably because a certain well known company (ahem, Pottery Barn) sold a version of them this Halloween (for a pretty penny). They aren’t that original though, I made these spooky creations with my grandmother when I was a child. As requested by many of my instragram (@craftyvanessa) followers, here’s my version on how to make cheesecloth ghosts for Halloween.

On a side note, I totally risked my life snapping those hanging ghost photos for you. You see, we have a bat living in our light fixture in our front porch. Yes, I said A BAT! Our bug guy (who is also apparently a bat expert) noticed it yesterday and told us that most of the homes in our area have bats and that they are fairly harmless. I don’t care how harmless they are, I didn’t sign up for BATS! Well, technically 1 bat and it’s a tiny baby bat. A tiny baby bat that my husband won’t let me get rid of because he has some weird childhood fondness of bats related to batman. So, I was outside taking photos of the ghosts as the sun was setting and what do I see? The tinyharmlessbaby bat flying out of our light fixture. I’m pretty sure the whole entire neighborhood heard me scream and my husband comes running out with a bat (as in a baseball bat) in hand ready to kill whatever is attacking me…unless it’s a bat (as in an ugly flying blood sucking creature), of course. Tis the life of a blogger…with a bat living in her light fixture.

Enjoy this cheesecloth ghost tutorial that I risked my life for. If you don’t have a ton of time, check out Craft Crazy Mom’s 5 minute cheesecloth ghost tutorial for a quicker and just as cute version. Also, if anyone knows how to get rid of bats, give me a call.

Step 1: Tape 3 cups and a balloon together (per ghost) as shown in the photo below.

Step 2: Cut cheesecloth into 50 x 50 inch squares (2 per ghost). Unfold cheesecloth and place in a bowl. Pour fabric stiffener over cheesecloth and mix until every inch is covered in it. Make sure to use enough fabric stiffener so it is fully wet.

Step 3: Unfold the cheesecloth and drape over the cups and balloon. Repeat with an additional layer of cheesecloth. Remember, however you drape it is how it will dry. I left the ends of my cheesecloth messy and stringy on purpose. For extra stiffness and durability, take a foam brush and paint a layer of fabric stiffener over the balloon/head part of the ghost. Allow to dry.

Step 4: Pop and remove the balloon/cups from the ghost. Cut 2 ovals (per ghost) out of black felt and attach to the ghost using craft glue or hot glue.

I'm Vanessa and it's my mission in life to spread my love of hot glue guns and glitter to others. I suffer from craft ADHD, regularly working on at least 10 projects at the same time and my craft room looks like a tornado hit it. My first craft book, Party in a Jar, was published in 2014. I look forward to crafting with you!